Self checkout

[DavidMcmillan]

I normally use the self-checkout, mainly because it is typically faster. The only problems I encounter is the purchase of things that require over 21.

It is a little irritating that they don’t ask for my license to prove I’m old enough.

The only store where I normally encounter the “receipt checker” is Cisco, and seldom am I in such a hurry that it is a bother, and there is seldom any reason to be rude.

 

[Letfreedomring]

 

[TedKennedy]

Good point. I guess my frustration is those who think they should get $15 an hour to stand there and scan items across a reader. Companies are implementing self checkout because they can't find enough people to actually come to work or work when they do show up. I'm sure there are some good people as well.

How much should they make?

 

[Pstmstr]

If a company wants better workers it can pay more to attract and retain them.

If workers want better pay they should show up and work.

 

[2busy]

My wife commented to the employee we should get a discount. The employee said it wasn't the first time someone said that. I'm sure they have heard it a lot.

Of course they have Spanish and English over the intercom.

 

[Pstmstr]

How much should they make?

Depends on the job, how long they've been there, and their performance. For a person scanning groceries I would start them at 10 bucks an hour with quarterly increases. Those who performed well and wanted more responsibility would move into supervison and be paid more. Those who didn't come to work and didn't meet expectations would be fired.

 

[donner]

If workers want better pay they should show up and work.

both things are true, however offering (by current living standards) a lower wage doesn't encourage better workers to join if another company is offering more. These issues don't exist in a vacuum and will always be highly influenced by economic conditions (like the employment rate)

 

[264killer]

What's fun is buying a bolt, flat washer, lock washer and nut. 4 individual lookups.

But that's still better than the old laminated sheets they'd try to match up to.

Atwoods all the same color is by the pound

 

[TedKennedy]

Depends on the job, how long they've been there, and their performance. For a person scanning groceries I would start them at 10 bucks an hour with quarterly increases. Those who performed well and wanted more responsibility would move into supervison and be paid more. Those who didn't come to work and didn't meet expectations would be fired.

Well sir, as someone who hires folks regularly I must wish you the best of luck should you try to hire someone for ten dollars an hour. You will not like what that buys you.

A lot of people do not understand that labor is a commodity, just like gas, electricity or raw goods. The price goes up, the price goes down. Right now the price is up, and employees have the upper hand. It's kinda nice to watch, to be honest. Companies that would take advantage of fat labor markets and treat employees poorly are now getting a big bite of an excrement sandwich.

 

[Pstmstr]

both things are true, however offering (by current living standards) a lower wage doesn't encourage better workers to join if another company is offering more. These issues don't exist in a vacuum and will always be highly influenced by economic conditions (like the employment rate)

The thing that I find interesting is a place like Crest. They start their employees at a pretty low rate but seem to have pretty good retention, very clean stores, some of the lowest prices, and seem to promote from within. I always get greeted at the door, greeted by the checker, and have a pleasant experience shopping there. Compare that to Walmart just down the road. Same thing with Chick Filet versus McDonalds. Work ethic and compensation have always kind of been a weird interest of mine. When I did supervise people I had great employees and I had those who spent more effort to avoid work than it would have taken just to do the job. I tried my best to appreciate and reward the good ones and help the bad ones find a place they liked better. I don't mean to imply that all people who work as cashiers are bad. Minimum wage was originally intended for people just starting employment. Unfortunately those at some places are making and have made poor choices in their lives. You guys are right though, at least they are working. I guess I should try to be more understanding. I tend to see things as black and white.